US6616037B2 - Inventory system - Google Patents
Inventory system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US6616037B2 US6616037B2 US09/932,184 US93218401A US6616037B2 US 6616037 B2 US6616037 B2 US 6616037B2 US 93218401 A US93218401 A US 93218401A US 6616037 B2 US6616037 B2 US 6616037B2
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- product
- container
- coded
- silhouette
- computer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime, expires
Links
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims 3
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241001422033 Thestylus Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000013405 beer Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013479 data entry Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010079 rubber tapping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000014101 wine Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
- G06K7/10544—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
- G06K7/10821—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices
- G06K7/10881—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices constructional details of hand-held scanners
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a system for use in taking an inventory of products dispensed in full and partially full containers. More particularly, the inventory system of the present invention concerns a computerized system where inventorying beverages such a liquor where the products are identified by code such as conventional barcodes.
- a prior art inventory system that involves weighing of the containers is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,563,739 issued to Gerpheide.
- This system includes means for identifying each particular product dispensed by sensing a code such as a barcode that is attached to the container.
- a weighing scale or cell is also provided for weighing containers that are partially filled with the product.
- a computer is included within the system, and the computer includes product record information concerning each particular product dispensed.
- a conventional barcode reader is moved across the code on the container and signals the supply to the computer by which the particular product in the container is identified. Signals from the weighing cell or weighing devices are also received by the computer.
- the quantity of product remaining in the partially filled containers is automatically calculated.
- Current, on-hand, and previously on-hand inventory data is maintained in the computer memory and is up-dated with each subsequent inventory.
- the apparatus of the present invention is easier and faster to use than the prior art apparatus. Because weighing of the beverage containers is not necessary, the apparatus is less complex in construction and is less expensive to manufacture and maintain.
- Another object of the invention is to provide an inventory system of the aforementioned character in which the step of scanning the barcodes produces, on the screen of the hand-held computer, product information concerning the product contained within the scanned bottle including a silhouette of the bottle.
- Another object of the invention is to provide an inventory system as described in the preceding paragraphs including data input means whereby the user inputs data to the computer data storage system via the touch-sensitive screen of the computer.
- Another object of the invention is to provide an inventory system as described in the preceding paragraph in which the user can, through use of the touch-sensitive screen, indicate on the silhouette that appears on the screen, the level of the beverage contained within the bottle that has been scanned.
- Another object of the invention is to provide an inventory system that enables the user to keep track of the quantity of beverage dispensed so as to accurately determine the pouring costs of pouring a particular beverage.
- Another object of the invention is to provide an inventory system that is useful in taking the physical inventory of all bottles, liquor, beer, wines and like beverages.
- Another object of the invention is to provide an inventory system of the aforementioned character in which the inventory information entered into the system can be transferred directly to an accountant or other administrative person via a modem that forms a part of the computer means of the invention.
- Another object of the invention is to provide an inventory system that is easy to use, highly reliable in operation and requires a minimum of operator training.
- FIG. 1 is a generally perspective, illustrative view of one form of the apparatus of the invention that is used in carrying out the method of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a generally diagrammatic view of the initial screen that appears on the hand-held computer shown in FIG. 1 when the computer is turned on.
- FIG. 3 is a generally diagrammatic view of an open inventory screen that appears when the “AccuBar” symbol is touched on the touch sensitive screen of the computer.
- FIG. 4 is a generally diagrammatic view of the screen that appears when the “New” symbol is touched on the screen of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a generally diagrammatic view of the screen that appears upon touching the “OK” symbol on the screen shown in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 is a generally diagrammatic view showing the screen that appears upon touching the “Scan” symbol on the screen shown in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7 is a generally diagrammatic view of the screen that appears upon positive identification of a recognized code and upon touching the “Scan” symbol on the screen shown in FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 1 one form of the apparatus of the invention for taking inventory of product such as beverages contained within coded containers is there illustrated.
- This form of the invention includes data processing means here comprising a hand-held, readily portable computer generally designated in the drawings by the numeral 12 .
- Hand-held computer 12 can take several forms well known to those skilled in the art, but a readily commercially available computer sold by Handspring, Inc. of Mountain View, Calif. has proven satisfactory for carrying out the method of the invention.
- a novel feature of the hand-held computer 12 is the provision of a touch sensitive screen 14 that can be used to input data into the data storage means of the computer. Details concerning the construction, operation and programming of hand-held computer 12 are readily available from its manufacturer, Handspring, Inc. of Mountain View, Calif.
- product record information can be introduced into the data storage means of computer 12 either through the use of a conventional keyboard (not shown) or alternatively via the touch-sensitive screen 14 . If a keyboard is not used, a graffiti system programmed into the computer enables data entry by touching the computer screen. This graffiti system is described in detail by the manufacturer of the computer, namely Handspring, Inc. Data entered into the computer by the graffiti system as well as other data stored within the data storage means of the computer can readily be displayed on the touch-sensitive screen in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art.
- the data storage means of computer 12 includes program memory means for storing data for controlling the computer as well as for creating inventory reports in accordance with the method of the invention. This latter data includes information correlating conventionally used product names and conventionally used product barcodes with the shape or silhouette of the product container.
- This input means here comprises sensor means for sensing the code of the coded containers that contain the product to be inventoried as, for example, a barcode affixed to the containers.
- the sensor means comprises a conventional sensor or barcode reader 16 (FIG. 1) for reading the barcodes “BC” contained on containers containing the beverages to be inventoried, such as a liquor bottles “B” of the character shown in FIG. 1 .
- the sensor means, or barcode reader 16 is operably interconnected with the hand-held computer so that, through the use of the operating software, the product information sensed by the sensor means can be automatically transmitted to the data storage means of the computer.
- the barcode such as barcode “BC” that is a fixed by the beverage container “B” (FIG. 1) sets forth information that identifies the product contained within the container.
- data stored within the computer permits the computer software to also uniquely identify the silhouette of the container that corresponds to the barcode or to the product name.
- the name of the product appearing on the package label can be used, or alternatively, a special code can be supplied for use in association with the particular container.
- the code appearing on the coded container can be an identification label displaying the product name, or it can be a conventional barcode, or it can be another type of readable code that can be connected with the shape of the container.
- an application screen to appear such as that illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2 of the drawings.
- the application screen allows the user to access all of the programs stored within the data storage means of the computer, including the inventory program (AccuBar) that is the subject of the present invention.
- Commencement of the inventory program is accomplished by touching the inventory program symbol identified in FIG. 2 by the numeral 18 .
- Touching symbol 18 will open the inventory screen 20 , the character of which is illustrated in FIG. 3 of the drawings. If an inventory has previously been opened, the user will see a display such as that shown in FIG. 3 . If no inventory has been previously opened, the screen will be blank.
- the first date field 22 at the left of the screen depicted in this figure shows when the inventory was begun.
- the second field 24 shows the name that was assigned to that particular inventory and the third field 26 , having either an asterisk or the letter “R”, denotes whether the inventory contains in-stock items (asterisk) or receiving items (“R”).
- the field 28 to the right of FIG. 3 indicates how many bottles have already been scanned into the inventory. Touching on the “send” button 30 on the screen shown in FIG. 3 will cause the software to transmit to the central server 31 (FIG. 1) any open inventories that have been designated as a result of putting the check mark next to them.
- the “New Inventory List” screen 34 shown in FIG. 4 This screen allows the user to open a new inventory in the manner presently to be described.
- the first field 34 a at the left of the screen indicates the type of inventory to be performed, that is “Normal” if items in stock are to be inventoried or “Receive” if receivables are to be inventoried.
- the location field 34 b permits selection of a particular area to be inventories as, for example, a receiving dock.
- the “Starting Date” field 34 c shows the starting date of the new inventory. Touching the “OK” symbol 36 on the screen depicted in FIG.
- the “Scan” symbol 43 on screen 42 is touched and the hand-held computer along with the sensor means is moved over the barcode.
- the sensor means will transmit product identification signals to the computer as it optically senses transitions between the black bars and while stripes of the barcode, the width of which define the unique code for each product. More specifically, during the scan step, the interval between sequential signals is timed and the time intervals between the transition signals are used to derive a relationship between the width of the bars and stripes on the barcode.
- the product identification signals that are derived from this relationship are then compared by the data processing means to other product identification information that has been previously entered into the computer data storage means as a part of a product record.
- the product record stored within the data storage means of the computer contains information specifying each particular product and the shape of its container.
- the pre-installed software Upon scanning a given barcode and upon detection of a product identification signal by the sensor means for which there exists a product record, the pre-installed software will cause the computer to automatically display the Set Bottle Level screen 46 shown in FIG. 7 .
- This unique screen will display pertinent product information including a display 48 that comprises the silhouette of the container that corresponds to the barcode affixed to the container.
- this screen permits entry into the data storage means of important information concerning the quantity of an item that has been scanned. For example, by touching the “full” symbol, data indicating that a selected number of full bottles of the item have been scanned can be recorded.
- breakage can also be accounted for by touching the “empty” symbol that enables the recordation of information concerning the number of empty bottles that have been scanned.
- An important feature of the present invention resides in the ability of the inventory taker to use this screen to expeditiously record the quantity of the beverage remaining in a partially filled bottle that has been scanned. This important step can be accomplished by simply touching the stylus 47 on the silhouette 48 shown on the screen (FIG. 7) to indicate the level of the beverage remaining within that particular bottle. More particularly, this important information entering means permits the expeditious entry in to the data storage means of product record information, including a fluid level indication on the silhouette 48 of the coded container of the level of beverage contained within the coded container.
- the input means must be used to enter from the product label, or like identifier, the name of the product in the name field 51 . If the installed software recognizes the data inputted by the input means, the computer will automatically display the Set Bottle Level screen 46 and the inventory can proceed. If the installed software does not recognize the data inputted, the name of the product along with other product identification data can be entered into the data storage means using the earlier mentioned graffiti function or, alternatively, by using an attachable keyboard that can be attached to the computer unit.
- Product identification data typically entered into the data storage means includes the product name as well as the bottle size (one liter, 750 milliliters, etc.).
- the user can also enter into the data storage means, a shape corresponding to the bottle shape. More particularly, tapping on the small bottle symbol 54 that appears on computer screen 42 (FIG. 6) the preprogrammed computer software will take the user to a built-in bottle shape library. In this library, the user can page through the various shapes typically found in the industry. Touching the scan button on FIG. 6 will take the user to the Set Bottle Level screen shown in FIG. 7 . Touching on the “OK” button on this screen assigns the shape shown on the screen to the product identified on the previous screen shown in FIG. 6 .
- the central computer 31 After everything in the inventory has been scanned and entered the information can be transferred to the central computer 31 via a conventional modem (not shown) and a phone line 33 (FIG. 1 ). This is accomplished by a touching the send symbol 30 that appears on the screen shown in FIG. 3 . Upon touching the send symbol 30 , a box will appear on the screen asking the user to confirm the intent to transmit all selected inventories. In this regard, it is to be understood that in order to transmit the different inventories, the scanner unit 16 must be removed from the hand-held computer and replaced with a modem unit that is of a conventional design and can be interconnected with phone line 33 . Touching the “Yes” symbol 38 on the screen shown in FIG. 3 will begin the data transmission sequence. In a manner well understood by those skilled in the art, the central computer 31 will sort and process the data transmitted to it and will produce a detailed report of the inventory for use by the use of the system.
Landscapes
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Finance (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Development Economics (AREA)
- Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
- Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Operations Research (AREA)
- Quality & Reliability (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (12)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/932,184 US6616037B2 (en) | 2001-08-17 | 2001-08-17 | Inventory system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/932,184 US6616037B2 (en) | 2001-08-17 | 2001-08-17 | Inventory system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030034392A1 US20030034392A1 (en) | 2003-02-20 |
US6616037B2 true US6616037B2 (en) | 2003-09-09 |
Family
ID=25461905
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/932,184 Expired - Lifetime US6616037B2 (en) | 2001-08-17 | 2001-08-17 | Inventory system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6616037B2 (en) |
Cited By (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050197738A1 (en) * | 2004-03-08 | 2005-09-08 | Nuvo Holdings, Llc | System and Method for Managing the Dispensation of a Bulk Product |
US20060058725A1 (en) * | 2004-09-13 | 2006-03-16 | Michael Handfield | Smart tray for dispensing medicaments |
US20060169774A1 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2006-08-03 | Gray Jeffrey S | System and method for managing financial data |
US20060169775A1 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2006-08-03 | Gray Jeffrey S | System and method for evaluating inventory |
US20060261156A1 (en) * | 1999-09-15 | 2006-11-23 | Brown Laurie J | Method and Apparatus for Vending a Containerized Liquid Product Utilizing an Automatic Self-Service Refill System |
US20060292492A1 (en) * | 2005-06-27 | 2006-12-28 | Nec Corporation | Optical information recording medium and optical information reproducing apparatus |
US20070109128A1 (en) * | 2005-07-11 | 2007-05-17 | Hiroshi Fujii | Handy terminal |
US20070228068A1 (en) * | 2005-10-12 | 2007-10-04 | Kevin Schneider | Alcoholic beverage management and inventory system |
US7490773B2 (en) * | 2004-12-03 | 2009-02-17 | Mcvicker Henry J | Apparatus and method for obtaining an image of an arcuate surface |
US20090134183A1 (en) * | 2005-12-02 | 2009-05-28 | Pera Odishoo | Method and device for inventory control of a dispensed liquid |
US9386877B2 (en) | 2007-05-18 | 2016-07-12 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Beverage preparation machines and beverage cartridges |
US9576267B2 (en) | 2012-11-26 | 2017-02-21 | Partender, LLC | System and method for taking an inventory of containers for liquid |
US9616156B2 (en) | 2013-03-24 | 2017-04-11 | Naya Health, Inc. | Method, apparatus, and system for expression and quantification of human breast milk |
US9623160B2 (en) | 2014-09-19 | 2017-04-18 | Naya Health, Inc. | Quantification and inventory management of expressed human breast milk |
US10617805B2 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2020-04-14 | Exploramed Nc7, Inc. | Fluid measuring reservoir for breast pumps |
US10639406B2 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2020-05-05 | Exploramed Nc7, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transferring pressure during expression of human breast milk |
US10724890B2 (en) | 2016-08-15 | 2020-07-28 | Cbender, Inc. | Apparatus and method for measuring a volume of a liquor dispensed from a bottle |
US11148927B2 (en) | 2018-07-27 | 2021-10-19 | Hydration Labs, Inc. | Beverage dispensing |
US11639868B2 (en) | 2020-02-27 | 2023-05-02 | Beverage Metrics, Inc. | Method for determining remaining fluid level of open container |
USD998401S1 (en) | 2020-08-31 | 2023-09-12 | Hydration Labs, Inc. | Dispensing device |
US11845643B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2023-12-19 | Hydration Labs, Inc. | Beverage dispensing |
US11961373B2 (en) | 2020-07-01 | 2024-04-16 | Pepsico, Inc. | Method and system of touch-free vending |
US12076468B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2024-09-03 | Willow Innovations, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transferring pressure during expression of human breast milk |
Families Citing this family (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2003122766A (en) * | 2001-10-10 | 2003-04-25 | Shinichi Konomi | System and method for sharing needs and information by using physical entity |
US20060080111A1 (en) * | 2002-09-26 | 2006-04-13 | Homeier-Beals Thomas E | Mobile electronic transaction system, device and method therefor |
US7090134B2 (en) * | 2003-03-04 | 2006-08-15 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | System for projecting a handling instruction onto a moving item or parcel |
US7063256B2 (en) * | 2003-03-04 | 2006-06-20 | United Parcel Service Of America | Item tracking and processing systems and methods |
US7118026B2 (en) * | 2003-06-26 | 2006-10-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Apparatus, method, and system for positively identifying an item |
US7025263B2 (en) * | 2003-09-10 | 2006-04-11 | Kocott Joseph M | Systems and methods for tracking alcoholic containers |
US20070021969A1 (en) * | 2005-03-23 | 2007-01-25 | Homeier-Beals Thomas E | Mobile electronic transaction system, device and method therefor |
US20100312694A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2010-12-09 | Thomas Homeier-Beals | Mobile Electronic Transaction System, Device and Method Therefor |
US7561717B2 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2009-07-14 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | System and method for displaying item information |
DE102009000233B4 (en) * | 2009-01-15 | 2012-06-06 | Steffen Supper | Hand-held scanner and this comprehensive picking system |
US9221667B2 (en) | 2012-05-24 | 2015-12-29 | SteadyServ Technologies, LLC | Draft beer supply chain systems and methods |
US9501163B2 (en) | 2014-05-06 | 2016-11-22 | Symbol Technologies, Llc | Apparatus and method for activating a trigger mechanism |
US10365721B2 (en) * | 2014-05-06 | 2019-07-30 | Symbol Technologies, Llc | Apparatus and method for performing a variable data capture process |
HK1201408A2 (en) * | 2014-11-11 | 2015-08-28 | Indigo Corp Ltd | Counting method and system for inventory articles |
CN105752448A (en) * | 2014-12-17 | 2016-07-13 | 济南塑研塑料制品有限公司 | False proof intelligent scuttlebutt and scuttlebutt false proof method |
US10578475B2 (en) * | 2016-04-29 | 2020-03-03 | Beverage Intel, Llc | Sensing devices and systems including examples of pairing sensing devices to containers |
US10582790B2 (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2020-03-10 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Bottle storage |
US10471478B2 (en) | 2017-04-28 | 2019-11-12 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Conveyor belt assembly for identifying an asset sort location and methods of utilizing the same |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4563739A (en) | 1983-07-18 | 1986-01-07 | Impulse Computer Systems, Inc. | Inventory and business management system which accounts for the contents of full and partially filled product containers |
US5250789A (en) * | 1991-10-31 | 1993-10-05 | Johnsen Edward L | Shopping cart |
US5255819A (en) * | 1990-02-09 | 1993-10-26 | Peckels Arganious E | Method and apparatus for manual dispensing from discrete vessels with electronic system control and dispensing data generation on each vessel, data transmission by radio or interrogator, and remote data recording |
US5603430A (en) * | 1995-02-10 | 1997-02-18 | Dec International, Inc. | Beverage dispensing system with bottle identification mechanism |
US5986219A (en) | 1998-01-14 | 1999-11-16 | Bar Beverage Control, Inc. | Method of inventorying liquor |
US6036055A (en) * | 1996-11-12 | 2000-03-14 | Barmate Corporation | Wireless liquid portion and inventory control system |
US6427871B1 (en) * | 1998-12-23 | 2002-08-06 | Anthony Suero | Programmable liquid dispensing device with user readable indicators |
Family Cites Families (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1883726A (en) * | 1930-12-20 | 1932-10-18 | Catherine Mcgough | Knife |
US2119908A (en) * | 1936-11-17 | 1938-06-07 | Ellis Joseph | Wax modeling spatula for dental work |
US2454576A (en) * | 1946-05-01 | 1948-11-23 | William H Slack | Modeling tool |
US2972035A (en) * | 1958-09-03 | 1961-02-14 | Theodore A Miller | Electrically heated trimming knife |
US3002077A (en) * | 1959-12-31 | 1961-09-26 | Caliri Gregory | Heating device |
US3120598A (en) * | 1961-04-27 | 1964-02-04 | Siegel | Device for shaping heat softenable materials |
US3316385A (en) * | 1964-04-10 | 1967-04-25 | Wen Products Inc | Electrically heated soldering device |
US3438363A (en) * | 1967-05-22 | 1969-04-15 | Lisbon Ind Inc | Portable heater |
US3583853A (en) * | 1969-07-07 | 1971-06-08 | Richard F Schramm | Votive candle holder |
US3711211A (en) * | 1971-02-01 | 1973-01-16 | Magic Circle Corp | Wax shaping tool |
US3821513A (en) * | 1972-11-13 | 1974-06-28 | C Christensen | Wax carving tool tip |
US3902043A (en) * | 1973-07-19 | 1975-08-26 | Virgil Kenneth Rogan | Appliance for heating and applying dental wax |
US3938526A (en) * | 1974-05-20 | 1976-02-17 | Anderson Weston A | Electrical acupuncture needle heater |
US3983677A (en) * | 1974-07-03 | 1976-10-05 | Lundbom Terry L | Method of manufacturing candles with decorative items cast into the surface thereof |
US4074110A (en) * | 1975-12-02 | 1978-02-14 | Slaughter Philip E | Hand held electric heating device |
US4301357A (en) * | 1979-08-23 | 1981-11-17 | Kv33 Corporation | Electrically heated wax spatula using a diode as the heating element |
US5073696A (en) * | 1989-09-26 | 1991-12-17 | Kerr Manufacturing Company | Electrically heated wax shaping tool |
US5537989A (en) * | 1995-01-24 | 1996-07-23 | York, Jr.; Ray A. | Candle wick extracting and positioning device and method |
-
2001
- 2001-08-17 US US09/932,184 patent/US6616037B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4563739A (en) | 1983-07-18 | 1986-01-07 | Impulse Computer Systems, Inc. | Inventory and business management system which accounts for the contents of full and partially filled product containers |
US5255819A (en) * | 1990-02-09 | 1993-10-26 | Peckels Arganious E | Method and apparatus for manual dispensing from discrete vessels with electronic system control and dispensing data generation on each vessel, data transmission by radio or interrogator, and remote data recording |
US5250789A (en) * | 1991-10-31 | 1993-10-05 | Johnsen Edward L | Shopping cart |
US5603430A (en) * | 1995-02-10 | 1997-02-18 | Dec International, Inc. | Beverage dispensing system with bottle identification mechanism |
US6036055A (en) * | 1996-11-12 | 2000-03-14 | Barmate Corporation | Wireless liquid portion and inventory control system |
US5986219A (en) | 1998-01-14 | 1999-11-16 | Bar Beverage Control, Inc. | Method of inventorying liquor |
US6427871B1 (en) * | 1998-12-23 | 2002-08-06 | Anthony Suero | Programmable liquid dispensing device with user readable indicators |
Cited By (51)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060261156A1 (en) * | 1999-09-15 | 2006-11-23 | Brown Laurie J | Method and Apparatus for Vending a Containerized Liquid Product Utilizing an Automatic Self-Service Refill System |
US7624922B2 (en) * | 1999-09-15 | 2009-12-01 | Brown Laurie J | Method and apparatus for vending a containerized liquid product utilizing an automatic self-service refill system |
US7573395B2 (en) | 2004-03-08 | 2009-08-11 | Sgs Technologies, Llc | System and method for managing the dispensation of a bulk product |
US20050197738A1 (en) * | 2004-03-08 | 2005-09-08 | Nuvo Holdings, Llc | System and Method for Managing the Dispensation of a Bulk Product |
US8027748B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2011-09-27 | Michael Handfield | Medicament container |
US7909207B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2011-03-22 | Michael Handfield | Smart tray for dispensing medicaments |
US7860603B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2010-12-28 | Michael Handfield | Medicaments container with medicament authentication mechanism |
US7080755B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2006-07-25 | Michael Handfield | Smart tray for dispensing medicaments |
US7996105B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2011-08-09 | Michael Handfield | Medicament dispensing authorization |
US7949426B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2011-05-24 | Michael Handfield | Medicaments container with display component |
US7917246B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2011-03-29 | Michael Handfield | Lockable medicament dispensing apparatus with authentication mechanism |
US7440818B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2008-10-21 | Animatronics, Inc. | Medicament tray inventory system and method |
US20060058724A1 (en) * | 2004-09-13 | 2006-03-16 | Michael Handfield | Smart tray for dispensing medicaments |
US8112175B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2012-02-07 | Michael Handfield | Methods and apparatus for medicament tracking |
US7908030B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2011-03-15 | Michael Handfield | Smart tray for dispensing medicaments |
US20060058726A1 (en) * | 2004-09-13 | 2006-03-16 | Michael Handfield | Medicament tray inventory system and method |
US7886931B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2011-02-15 | Michael Handfield | Medicament container system and method |
US20060058725A1 (en) * | 2004-09-13 | 2006-03-16 | Michael Handfield | Smart tray for dispensing medicaments |
US7630790B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2009-12-08 | Michael Handfield | Medicament inventory system and method |
US7721914B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2010-05-25 | Michael Handfield | Container for dispensing medicaments having a compressible medium therein |
US7735681B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2010-06-15 | Handfield Michael | Medicament container locking system and method |
US7735683B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2010-06-15 | Michael Handfield | Smart tray for dispensing medicaments |
US7751933B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2010-07-06 | Michael Handfield | Smart tray for dispensing medicaments |
US7844362B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2010-11-30 | Michael Handfield | Method of intelligently dispensing medicaments |
US7490773B2 (en) * | 2004-12-03 | 2009-02-17 | Mcvicker Henry J | Apparatus and method for obtaining an image of an arcuate surface |
US7584882B2 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2009-09-08 | The Kroger Co., | System and method for managing financial data |
US7950579B2 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2011-05-31 | The Kroger Co. | System and method for evaluating inventory |
US20060169775A1 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2006-08-03 | Gray Jeffrey S | System and method for evaluating inventory |
US20060169774A1 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2006-08-03 | Gray Jeffrey S | System and method for managing financial data |
US20060292492A1 (en) * | 2005-06-27 | 2006-12-28 | Nec Corporation | Optical information recording medium and optical information reproducing apparatus |
US20070109128A1 (en) * | 2005-07-11 | 2007-05-17 | Hiroshi Fujii | Handy terminal |
US20070228068A1 (en) * | 2005-10-12 | 2007-10-04 | Kevin Schneider | Alcoholic beverage management and inventory system |
US7508306B2 (en) * | 2005-11-07 | 2009-03-24 | Omron Corporation | Handheld RFID reader with display |
US20090134183A1 (en) * | 2005-12-02 | 2009-05-28 | Pera Odishoo | Method and device for inventory control of a dispensed liquid |
US8573442B2 (en) | 2005-12-02 | 2013-11-05 | Pera Odishoo | Method and device for inventory control of a dispensed liquid |
US10952562B2 (en) | 2007-05-18 | 2021-03-23 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | Beverage preparation machines and beverage cartridges |
US9386877B2 (en) | 2007-05-18 | 2016-07-12 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Beverage preparation machines and beverage cartridges |
US10915858B2 (en) | 2012-11-26 | 2021-02-09 | Nikhil Kundra | System and method for taking an inventory of containers for beverages |
US11961032B2 (en) | 2012-11-26 | 2024-04-16 | Nikhil Kundra | System and method for taking an inventory of containers for beverages |
US9576267B2 (en) | 2012-11-26 | 2017-02-21 | Partender, LLC | System and method for taking an inventory of containers for liquid |
US9616156B2 (en) | 2013-03-24 | 2017-04-11 | Naya Health, Inc. | Method, apparatus, and system for expression and quantification of human breast milk |
US10617805B2 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2020-04-14 | Exploramed Nc7, Inc. | Fluid measuring reservoir for breast pumps |
US10639406B2 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2020-05-05 | Exploramed Nc7, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transferring pressure during expression of human breast milk |
US12076468B2 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2024-09-03 | Willow Innovations, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for transferring pressure during expression of human breast milk |
US9623160B2 (en) | 2014-09-19 | 2017-04-18 | Naya Health, Inc. | Quantification and inventory management of expressed human breast milk |
US11845643B2 (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2023-12-19 | Hydration Labs, Inc. | Beverage dispensing |
US10724890B2 (en) | 2016-08-15 | 2020-07-28 | Cbender, Inc. | Apparatus and method for measuring a volume of a liquor dispensed from a bottle |
US11148927B2 (en) | 2018-07-27 | 2021-10-19 | Hydration Labs, Inc. | Beverage dispensing |
US11639868B2 (en) | 2020-02-27 | 2023-05-02 | Beverage Metrics, Inc. | Method for determining remaining fluid level of open container |
US11961373B2 (en) | 2020-07-01 | 2024-04-16 | Pepsico, Inc. | Method and system of touch-free vending |
USD998401S1 (en) | 2020-08-31 | 2023-09-12 | Hydration Labs, Inc. | Dispensing device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20030034392A1 (en) | 2003-02-20 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6616037B2 (en) | Inventory system | |
EP0151173B1 (en) | Inventory and business management system which accounts for the contents of full and partially filled product containers | |
CA2168318C (en) | Beverage dispensing system with bottle identification mechanism | |
US8453878B2 (en) | Liquid level measuring device | |
US6450406B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for inventorying substances | |
US7416119B1 (en) | Methods and apparatus for automatically determining and deducting weight of containers for products | |
EP0732278A1 (en) | System for picking articles | |
US7971787B2 (en) | Commodity-vending system and weight-scale apparatus | |
JP2007206745A (en) | Electronic shelf tag, electronic shelf tag system server, electronic shelf tag system and electronic shelf tag display method | |
EP0322442B1 (en) | Method for processing data relating to purchased products | |
CN1543628A (en) | Pos system having time-of-consumption management function of sales commodities | |
US20110108620A1 (en) | System and method for recycling of articles | |
US4724306A (en) | Weighing system | |
US8793161B2 (en) | Methods and apparatus for visually assisted fast food order preparation | |
CN113139768B (en) | Goods shortage monitoring method based on unmanned vending machine | |
JP2002318847A (en) | Recycling and collecting system | |
JP2002128230A (en) | Picking system | |
US20060131404A1 (en) | Process for auditing an alcohol beverage inventory | |
JP2018096521A (en) | Management system of high-pressure gas container | |
CN112668952A (en) | Tilapia mossambica freezer commodity circulation tracing platform | |
JP5420368B2 (en) | Self-checkout system, product weight file update method, and product weight identification program | |
JP2002183295A (en) | System for collecting recycled refuse | |
KR20230089873A (en) | System for integrated management of recycling cup recovery | |
WO1999048034A1 (en) | Method and device for automatic payment of at least one article picked by a consumer in a self-service restaurant | |
KR20200090647A (en) | System for smart digiatl storage |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAT HOLDER CLAIMS SMALL ENTITY STATUS, ENTITY STATUS SET TO SMALL (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: LTOS); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: G4 TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION, COLORADO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GRIMM, DEAN P;GRIMM, ROGER L;REEL/FRAME:039615/0807 Effective date: 20160715 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BIRCH STREET TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:G4 TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:040806/0001 Effective date: 20160906 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BIRCH STREET TECHNOLOGIES, LLC;REEL/FRAME:044504/0412 Effective date: 20171229 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BIRCH STREET SYSTEMS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:051407/0095 Effective date: 20191231 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BIRCH STREET SYSTEMS, LLC, CALIFORNIA Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:BIRCH STREET TECHNOLOGIES, LLC;REEL/FRAME:053969/0355 Effective date: 20191231 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SILICON VALLEY BANK, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, CALIFORNIA Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BSS HOLDING, LLC;BIRCH STREET ES, LLC;BIRCH STREET SYSTEMS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:054008/0635 Effective date: 20201008 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BIRCH STREET TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION;REEL/FRAME:055364/0781 Effective date: 20201008 |